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An Abandoned Inn Becomes an Eco-Conscious Hotel in Iceland

06.07.16 | By
An Abandoned Inn Becomes an Eco-Conscious Hotel in Iceland

With a past that involves housing workers at the Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant, this former inn was sitting vacant in 2011 when it was acquired. With the help of faraway Santa Monica-based design studio Minarc, the abandoned building was renovated to become the eco-conscious ION Adventure Hotel, represented by Design Hotelsâ„¢, in Selfoss, Iceland. For this month’s Destination Design, we visit this luxurious Icelandic hotel.

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The easily accessible hotel blends modern design with the natural landscape of Iceland in its background. The 45 rooms are a mix of industrial concrete and warm natural elements, like locally salvaged driftwood and lava.

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The hotel’s location allows guests to enjoy the best that Iceland has to offer – with its close proximity to Reykjavik for city fixes and the Mount Hengill volcano for various adventures, there’s plenty to enjoy in the quaint town.

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A new wing, made of a prefabricated panelized building system, was added, jutting out from the original building, housing a lounge and seating area.

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The hotel also has the Silfra Restaurant & Bar for farm-fresh foods, the Northern Lights Bar, and the partially exposed Lava Spa that’s situated under the above ground hotel.

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The comfortable guest rooms feature fair trade organic linens, water-saving shower systems, along with beds and chairs made from recycled materials.

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What: ION Adventure Hotel
Where: Nesjavellir, Selfoss 801, Iceland
How much? Rooms start at approx. $432 per night
Highlights: A dream-worthy Icelandic location with the best offerings the country has to offer.
Design draw: Modern design that’s a mix of industrial concrete and warm natural elements, like locally salvaged driftwood and lava.
Book it: Visit their Design Hotelsâ„¢ site or email [email protected].

Go virtually on vacation with more design destinations right here.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.